I was profoundly gratified to see the very positive response to my blog about Al-Anon. For many years, I regularly attended a Friday evening program for help coming to grips with the nightmare of alcoholism in our family. The participants were supportive, not judgmental. They didn't offer advice but rather shared their own experiences. I should also add that these were some of the funniest people I've ever met. When faced with unbelievable challenges, sometimes it's our humor that gets us through.

I remember at one meeting a woman made the comment that you can't be funny if you've never suffered. She supported her assertion with the observation that the best comedians come from the most oppressed and marginalized groups in society. Indeed, I can think of no truly durable comedian who grew up in an environment of privilege and prosperity.

I'm grateful for the wise contributions of my fellow pilgrims. We learn so much from one another.

4 Comments Posted

Our Jewish relatives have taught us to keep laughing no matter how much we would rather cry; laughter keeps a sense of proportion and is supportive rather than sapping the strength of both self and community. Plus a sense of humour is a sense of proportion; it helps one to realize we are in this together.

Appleby

March 2, 2010 9:10 p.m.

LAUGHTER IS ALWAYS GOING TO MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE BECAUSE IT SIGNIFIES FAITH THAT REGARDLESS OF WHATS GOING ON, ITS ESSENTIALLY ALLL GOOD!

Jim

March 2, 2010 4:47 p.m.

As a recovering addict, (it's now 26 years) I have been told that I am full of joy and laughter and brighten up everyones day! I love to laugh and it makes everything better!

Berenice

March 2, 2010 9:32 a.m.

I have a writer friend who says you can't be a good writer if you haven't suffered. She happens to be one of the funniest and most joy filled people I've ever met. She attracts a lot of friends because of her good humor. And her childhood was not pleasant! So humor does a lot to turn things around. I have to remind myself of that a lot! I peronally don't think one has to suffer to be creative, but if pain has been a reality in one's life, why not turn it around to laughter? A
And thank you, Doctor Creaghan for sharing about Al-Anon!

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